Joe’s Apartment (1996)

Joe’s Apartment (1996)

Joe’s Apartment (1996) is a quirky and offbeat musical dark comedy that stands out for its unique premise, outrageous humor, and unusual characters. Written and directed by John Payson, it is based on his 1992 short film of the same name. The movie marks the first feature film produced by MTV Films and the first to involve Blue Sky Studios, known later for its contributions to animated films. Starring Jerry O’Connell and Megan Ward, Joe’s Apartment combines a mix of slapstick comedy, musical numbers, and a bit of gross-out humor, offering something completely different from typical comedies of its time.

The plot follows Joe (Jerry O’Connell), a young man who moves to New York City to pursue his dreams but ends up in a rundown apartment building in the heart of the city. However, things take a strange turn when he discovers that his apartment is not just falling apart but is also inhabited by a group of talking cockroaches. These aren’t just any ordinary cockroaches—they are anthropomorphic, have distinct personalities, and sing musical numbers throughout the film. The roaches quickly become Joe’s companions, guiding him through the ups and downs of his new life while causing chaos and mayhem in the process.